Question

Read the following excerpt from "the monkey’s paw" by w. w. jacobs. "i’m listening," said the latter [herbert], grimly surveying the board as he stretched out his hand. "check." "i should hardly think that he’d come tonight," said his father [mr. white], with his hand poised over the board. "mate," replied the son. what does the dialogue in this excerpt reveal about the setting?

a. it is midday, and mr. white and herbert are working.
b. it is night, and mr. white and herbert are playing chess.
c. it is late afternoon, and mr. white and herbert are chatting.
d. it is morning, and mr. white and herbert are eating breakfast.

Answer 1

The dialogue between Mr. White and Herbert in the excerpt indicates that it is nighttime and they are engaged in playing chess. Option B is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

From the excerpt given, the dialogue between Mr. White and Herbert reveals the setting by the context they are in and the activity they are engaged in. The use of words such as "grimly surveying the board" and "check" indicate that they are playing a strategic game, most likely chess, which is typically played indoors and often during leisure times.

Furthermore, the phrase "I should hardly think that he’d come tonight," implies that it is currently evening. Therefore, the correct answer is B. It is night, and Mr. White and Herbert are playing chess.